Geir Tore Larsen is a versatile musician with a background as a cellist, conductor and pedagogue. He was born in Onsøy near Fredrikstad and has studied in Oslo, Copenhagen and the USA. In 1972 he was employed by the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, and he has had a significant role as solo cellist at the Norwegian Opera. Larsen has also been active as a chamber musician and has performed as a soloist with all the country's symphony orchestras.
Larsen's teaching career began in 1974 at Østlandets Musikkonservatorium, before he later taught at Norges Musikkhøgskole. Throughout his career, he has also been involved in conducting professional symphony orchestras, as well as holding a position as music captain in the Norwegian Armed Forces. He has been an important supervisor for many amateur symphony orchestras, and his experience and knowledge have been of great use to the music community.